Not only will there be various food and craft vendors at this year’s St. Marys Aviation Festival but the Elk County Cruisers car show will also be held today, capped off by the St. Marys Airport Drag Races Sunday.

The Paradise Hill Hang Gliders, who are returning for their second year, and Skydive PA of Grove City, will perform the opening ceremony in conjunction with the Crystal Fire Department at 9 a.m. today, according to Amy Anderson, administrative assistant for St. Marys Municipal Airport.

The American Spirit Aviation Festival begins today at 8 a.m. and is jammed pack with things do, watch or explore: such things as airplane, bi-plane or helicopter rides, a multitude of various craft and food vendors, Elk County Cruisers car show with breakfast in the morning.

Anderson invited people to come out to the event.

“We have a wonderful airport and would love for the community to come out and support us,” she said.

The fly-in or drive-in breakfast will be held from 8 to 10 a.m. with a 5k run beginning at 9 a.m. today.

The Elk County Cruisers ninth annual car show will also be held today, rain or shine. The first 100 vehicles to enter will be awarded with goodie bags, dash plaques and glass beverage mugs.

Registration will be held from 9:30 a.m. until noon with show time from noon until 4 p.m. Judging for the main class awards will be completed by participants’ vote, while best of show will be selected by Elk County Cruiser Staff.

The car show will be held back on the main field with fresh and evenly mowed grass.

The trophies were sponsored by Rick’s Dough Boys and Russ Hanes Tires; the dash plaques were sponsored by St. Marys Dairy Queen; and the glass beverage mugs were sponsored by Elk County Real Estate.

There are 15 class entries for vehicles, with prizes being awarded to the top three cars per class; also to be awarded are one best of show trophy, a Kid’s Choice trophy and many door prize giveaways to all those who enter vehicles.

As if that weren’t enough fun built into the weekend already, the St. Marys Airport drag races will be held on Sunday from noon until 6 p.m. at the airport, too.

There is a multitude of food and beverage vendors that will be present during the drag races with other booths and other activities going on during the drag race as well.